Ryde Architecture

HOLMEWOOD HOUSE, Upton, Ryde

A property of reasonably plain architecture for the era of its build.

In July 1888 Messrs. E. Marvin & Sons advertised the estate for sale by auction on 16 August 1888 at Yelf’s Hotel, with the following details:
Freehold Estate known as “Holmewood, situate just outside the southern boundary of the Borough, on high ground and commanding lovely land and sea views, comprising a commodious and substantially-built residence in every way suitable for a gentleman’s family, with pleasure grounds, garden and stabling, extensive range of aviaries, forcing house, 2 labourers’ tenements, &c., in all eight acres:  together with 22 acres of pasture land, which latter is at present let to a yearly tenant, and the whole consisting of about 30 acres, enclosed in a ring fence.  There is a lodge at the entrance gates, and part of the land could be made available for building purposes.

In 1898 Holmewood was the residence of the Rev John Farmer, his wife and daughter Jessie, who lived there until her death in 1929. Miss Farmer had come to live in Haylands about 1891 with her parents some 40 years before.  The death of her father the Rev. John Farmer, M.A., took place in 1912 at Holmewood, Upton, he passed away after a severe illness.  The deceased  gentleman’s generosity and kindness of heart were abounded, and by his death the village of Haylands had lost a well-known benefactor. He was a firm upholder of the Conservative cause and was the highly respected president of the Haylands Club.

At a much later date Holmewood was used by the organisation “Companion Travel” which was run from the house by Mrs Ruth Meadows.  Companion Travel had opened four hotels over the Christmas period of 1971, that would otherwise have been closed and booked them up for a five day/four night holiday.  Originally they had hoped to get between 100 to 150 people to the Island, but it looked as if they would be likely to double that figure.  Their advertisements appeared in 76 newspapers and magazines throughout the UK with quarter half page articles printed in local papers, all telling the Companion Travel story and boosting the Isle of Wight.

The property and grounds were eventually sold and used as building land.  The area is now (2025) a housing estate of private residential properties.

Sources: IW Observer & Islander Magazine
Images: Roy Brinton Collection & Islander Magazine
Article: Ann Barrett